War of the Ring

On March 13, as Southrons harrassed Faramir, Imrahil and his knights, with Mithrandir, formed a sortie, and Imrahil himself saved his sister-son from his pursuers. Faramir received a poisonous wound, and Denethor fell to madness. Being the highest ranking officer Gondor fit for battle, Imrahil took command, and quickly passed it on to Mithrandir.

Imrahil survived the battle unscathed, and together with Éomer and Aragorn he came to the gates of Minas Tirith.[3] Imrahil recognized that Aragorn was the rightful King, but he agreed that it was wise for Aragorn to wait to enter the city, because he knew Denethor was strong-willed and proud.

When Imrahil learned that Denethor was dead and Faramir dying, he suggested that Aragorn be summoned, remembering that the Kings of old were great healers. Aragorn came at Gandalf's request to heal the wounded Faramir, Éowyn and Merry, but he declared that Prince Imrahil should rule the City until Faramir awoke, in effect granting Imrahil the position of Steward.

During the debate of the Captains of the West, Gandalf proposed that they march to the Morannon to distract Sauron's attention from Frodo the Ring-bearer. Imrahil said that he would follow his liege Aragorn, but since Minas Tirith was under his command the Prince advised that some should remain to defend the City. In the end it was decided that an army of 7,000 would ride forth. Imrahil laughed at the thought.[4]

The Host of the West left Minas Tirith on March 18. Bypassing Minas Morgul and marching North, the heralds announced the coming of King Elessar at Imrahil's advice. When Sauron's forces emerged from the Black Gate on March 25, Imrahil stood on the front line with his men. They fought the Battle of the Morannon until the One Ring was destroyed.

Prince Imrahil was present at the celebrations of the field of Cormallen, and the coronation of Aragorn as King Elessar, and rode with the funeral procession of King Théoden to Rohan, remaining in Edoras after the King's burial on August 10. Imrahil and Éomer became great friends, and in Fo. A. 2 Éomer wed Imrahil's daughter Lothíriel.[5]

Later life

After the War of the Ring, Prince Imrahil and his nephew Faramir, Prince of Ithilien, were King Elessar's chief commanders. Imrahil was also part of the Great Council of Gondor, and remained an advisor of the King.[6]

Prince Imrahil died in the year 34 of the Fourth Age, and was succeed by his eldest son Elphir, who continued the line of Princes.[1]

Etymology

The name Imrahil is said to be of Númenorean origin,[7] though its exact meaning is uncertain.

The second element -hil (also seen in the name Adrahil) perhaps is related to the Westron ending -kil (cf. banakil, Tarkil) meaning possibly "person" or "man", and perhaps ultimately related to Elvish "follower, heir" (KHIL).